When watching your child play sports, it’s natural to get excited. But it’s also important to make sure you always act as a Positive Sport Parent – on game day and beyond.
Being a Positive Sport Parent means not only keeping your emotions in check on game day, but also always remaining supportive and respectful of your youth athlete – as well as all the other kids and coaches involved in the competition. It’s also vital to remember that as a parent, you have the power to help shape your youth athlete’s attitude about sports.
Liberty Mutual Insurance Play Positive sat down with U.S. Ski team standout Stacey Cook to get her thoughts on what it means to be a Positive Sport Parent.
In our exclusive TAKE 5 interview, Stacey told us that growing up, her parents always took the time to teach her and her siblings how to navigate the slopes – and life.
“My dad taught me and my siblings how to ski, but I don’t think he ever intended for us to take it so far,” remembered Stacey. “It was a fun family activity, and something we looked forward to doing together as a family. My family didn’t know much about racing, but we had good advice and lots of passion. I think what got me through the ranks was the sheer amount of time I spent on snow, and how much I enjoyed chasing my brother around the mountain and pushing myself to keep up with him.”
As Stacey continued to rise in the ranks of competitive skiing, her family continued to support and encourage her – including some sweet inspiration from her Positive Sport Parents.
“My parents came to every race they logistically could,” said Stacey. “I don’t know where the trend started, but dad would always give me a Werther’s Original caramel before my races. It kind of became this unspoken communication between us to have fun and do my best. This year, U.S. Nationals were held near my parents’ home in Tahoe, and my parents made it out to watch. Between runs, my dad busted out a Werther’s, so his tactic still works.”
Stacey said that parents today can do plenty to serve as Positive Sport Parents to the next generation of budding ski stars.
“Parents are the ultimate support system, the best psychiatrist, and buddies on the hill,” said Stacey. “Help shape your child’s passion for skiing rather than racing by making your time together on the mountain a special time. Show them the kid inside you when you are out on the mountain. The mountain is a playground for everyone!”
To read the full TAKE 5 interview with Stacey, visit PlayPositive.com. And come back next month for another exclusive TAKE 5 interview!
At Liberty Mutual Insurance, we constantly look for ways to celebrate the countless acts of positivity shown by people every day. We created Play Positive, powered by Positive Coaching Alliance, as part of this belief to help ensure that our kids experience the best that sports have to offer in environments that promote and display positivity. We believe kids can learn valuable life lessons when coaches and parents come together to support winning on and off the hill.
©2014 Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and Positive Coaching Alliance. All rights reserved. This material may not be distributed without express written permission. Any reproduction in whole or part by and individuals or organizations will be held liable for copyright infringement to the full extent of the law.